Best Dispersed Camping near Naches, WA

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Naches, Washington

98 Reviews of 42 Naches Campgrounds

• 

  Quinn Z.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 29, 2020

  Liberty Town / Williams Creek Dispersed Camping

  Hidden little nooks of great creekside dispersed camping.

  Stumbled on this by just exploring the backroads near the BLM campground down the road. Technically this is USDA Forest Service land, but it is RIGHT next to BLM land. 

  Being dispersed, they are primitive sites. You're going to find man-made stone fire pits but that's about it. There are a handful of dispersed sites in this area. We found one nestled right next to the creek. It was great, very peaceful for the most part, except for when you can hear people on their ATVs or dirt bikes tearing around the area. Since this is so close to a BLM recreation site, expect to hear those activities.

  Some of these sites can be tricky to get to unless you have a good vehicle for it. I was renting a 4Runner at the time so no issues, but I don't think I would have been able to get to the further in dispersed sites if I was driving a Civic.

  All in all, really great spots right next to the old town of Liberty, and worth the $0 you'll spend to camp here. Hell, maybe even worth more, not that you'll have to worry about that.

• 

  Megan C.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 12, 2019

  French Cabin Creek Recreation Area

  Ranger Review: GCI Waterside Pod Rocker with Sunshade at French Cabin Creek

  Ranger Review: GCI Waterside Pod Rocker with Sunshade at French Cabin Creek Dispersed Camping

  Camping Review: 5 stars

  We have nothing but love for French Cabin Creek (F.C.C.) dispersed camping zone!

  From our home (Seattle area) to the camp zone typically takes less than 2 hours to arrive, horrific I-90 weekend traffic not included.

  The F.C.C. dispersed camping zone can be found by crossing the first bridge off the Salmon la Sac Road, located between the Cle Elum River and Red Mountain Campgrounds. 

  Once you arrive in the zone most of the camps are located along either Howson Creek, Little Salmon la Sac River or the backside of Lake Cle Elum.  They are available for camping from May to mid-November. Each camp we’ve stayed in offers waterfront camping, at least 2 parking spots, 2+ cleared spots for tents, trees for hammocks, usually 1 fire ring or more, and a honey-bucket somewhere nearby. 

  We really enjoy camping here because it’s off the main road so it’s much quieter than the campgrounds right off Salmon la Sac Road, plus the river drowns out most of the noise from any loud camp neighbors.

  The F.C.C. dispersed camping zone is located nearby the local Salmon la Sac swimming hole and Lake Cle Elum, so you have plenty of water activity options close at hand. We typically see folks’ kayak, raft, even SUP-board by our camp on their way down to the lake. Kayak and SUP rentals are available in the towns of Cle Elum and Roslyn for $50 daily.

  Did I mention there are several hiking trails located close to the F.C.C. camp zone as well; Pete Lake trail, Salmon la Sac trail, Domerie Peak trail, French Cabin Creek trail and Thorp Creek/Little Joe Lake trail, just to name a few.

  No forest passes are needed to stay in the F.C.C. dispersed camping zone so camping is truly free (unless you find yourself at a trailhead, then you will need a Northwest Forest Pass for the Wenatchee-Okanogan National Forest, be warned)!

  Now just a few last-minute gentle reminders (since this is a dispersed camping zone) that there will be NO: running water, RV hookups or dump stations, no trash bins (pack it in/pack it out), picnic tables, fire pit grills, and on occasion a few more campfire restrictions than in the local campgrounds.

  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=57515

  Gear Review: 4.5 stars

  As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I occasionally get to test out products to review – I recently tested the GCI Pod Rocker with Sunshade and boy am I in love with this chair!

  The chair is as described, a beachside rocking chair with a positional SPF sun blocking shade but GCI did a really great job designing this chair! 

  The chair has a large comfortable seat holding up to a 250 lb. adult. The rocking mechanism is fantastic, rocking smoothly and quietly all weekend long on my first trip out. I was even able to set the chair up on uneven ground and continue rocking away while watching the river and kayakers float past our camp. 

  I am super fair skinned and tend to burn through clothing and sunscreen, so having an extra layer of protection from the sun in the form of the SPF UV blocking sunshade is a real-life saver for me! My husband laughed all weekend at me, as I happily readjusted my sunshade time and again to stay safe and sunburn-free. 

  Another little plus I love about the GCI Pod Rocker with Sunshade is the cool side pouch made to hold your phone and a beverage, which is super convenient for all-day lounging.  

  When you are done using your Pod Rocker for the day, the chair easily folds up and fits into a travel bag with shoulder strap for opportune travel capability. 

  Now the only complaint I have with the chair is the color.  After a weekend camping, leaving it out overnight, I awoke to the seat covered in sticky pine needles that left slight stains on the light aqua colored fabric.  Then there was the wild incident when our ketchup bottle lid flew off and sprayed me and the chair in ketchup, that also left its mark on the light-colored chair fabric.

  My husband’s complaint with the chair is that he feels too hunched over when sitting in it for long periods of time. He said he feels like the chair won’t allow him to sit up straight. Now I don’t know if that is because he is so tall, at 6’4” or just how he fit in the chair but I am 5’6” and didn’t experience this problem. So, I’m guessing it’s more him and his height or long skinny frame?

• T

  Trevor

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 27, 2021

  French Cabin Creek Recreation Area

  Great hideaway

  For dispersed camping you gotta get out of the main "campground". Tons of options just off the beaten path. This is another gateway location which holds entrances to dozens of roads each with their own selection of dry camp sites.

• M

  MenneCamp

  Scout

  

  Jul. 1, 2022

  Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

  Good alternative to regular campgrounds

  Nice place for dispersed camping and only 5$! close the NP entrance and plenty of space here

• 

  Adam K.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 21, 2024

  Clear Lake Campgrounds

  Depends on the day of the week

  If you come during the week, you're going to enjoy quiet, gorgeous dispersed camping. Big spaces, big trees, big lake.

  But if you come during the weekend, be prepared for the most inconsiderate, noisy, rude neighbors you've ever found. They leave trash everywhere, play music and shoot guns late into the night, and don't respect boundaries whatsoever. I had multiple people drive right into my campsite and park 10 feet from my rig, walk through camp yelling and playing music, you name it.

  So, four stars because the place is amazing - but choose your timing wisely.

• 

  Maui F.

  Guide

  

  May. 16, 2023

  Old Bluett Pass Dispersed Site

  Great Dispersed camping spot

  Was a perfect Weeknd to Disperse camp, really quite, no toilets no water, Verizon coverage good.

• 

  Emma A.

  Legend

  

  May. 11, 2021

  Dispersed Camping North Fork Teanaway Road

  Nice dispersed camping on the North Fork Teanaway Road

  There are many options for dispersed camping along the North Fork of the Teanaway Road. We stayed in the area directly across the Teanaway Guard Station by the river. We hoped to be able to use the vault toilet next to the cabin but it was locked.

  No services and no cell reception but otherwise a nice peaceful place on a early season (early May) week-end. Lots of other spaces all along the road past this one and before the Beverly Campground.

• 

  Tee C.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 23, 2023

  Cabin Creek Dispersed Camping

  Convenient to 90

  This camping area consists of a large gravel parking area very near 90’s on ramps, another pretty large gravel parking area slightly further back from the road, and then a gravel road that leads back to a few camping spots that are still noisy from the road, but at least in the trees. Good Verizon signal. First true camp site was taken by a couple of RVs, and they kinda looked like they could have been there quite a while. Found another site with a fire pit. Fair amount of trash. Overall, good for a night and free!

• M

  Michalyn M.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 9, 2024

  White River Dispersed Camping

  Amazing

  Right off the main road, but several sweet camping spots more tucked away and along the river. I’d definitely recommend a higher clearance vehicle if you want to camp deeper near the river due to rocks and tree roots. People need to clean up after themselves though. We pulled up to a spot that was thrashed. That is how free things get shut down.

• S

  Savannah S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 22, 2021

  Salmon la Sac Road Dispersed Camping

  Easy find, lots of room

  Lots of space for big groups, but it does get crowded on the weekend. Lots of little secluded spots which are more quite at night. Easy river access from all camp spots. Great trees for hammocks, ect. Would not recommend a low clearance vehicle; big rocks and roots on most roads.

• 

  Cheryl M.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 1, 2022

  Old Bluett Pass Road Dispersed

  High Elevation Site off Hwy 97N

  Dog wasn’t feeling well so took a chance and went up this USFS mostly paved road. There are lovely views on the trip up and a few roadside areas you could car or van camp in a pinch. Towards the top a couple private roads break off, and just above the now dirt USFS road continues. Here is 1 large, not terribly level, high clearance needed, site with fire ring and lots of parking options.

• 

  Shay F.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 30, 2020

  L.T. Murray Wildlife Area

  Beautiful Solitude for Boondocking

  **Ranger Review: Camp Fare Premium Meals at LT Murray Wildlife Area **

  Camping Review: The LT Murray Wildlife Area is located in Thorp, between Cle Elum and Ellensburg. It is often referred to as Elk Heights or Joe Watt Canyon. This is primarily an ORV and horseback riding area in the summer. Hunting and elk feeding/wintering grounds area in the winter. This is also a great area to find elk sheds once wintering season is over. There are plenty of dispersed camping sites along the Forest Service roads. All you need is a Discover Pass and a high clearance, capable vehicle. 

  We were looking for a close by, no reservation, free place to camp for a weekend. I remember riding horses up here as a kid but have not been up to this area for many years. Once you arrive to the Wildlife Area, you must let yourself in the gate and close it after you pass through. From the gate we drove down a rough, rocky road and passed a wide-open meadow where there we a couple other trailers camping, maybe living, along the road. We passed through some very narrow, brush lined roads. It was also steep and rutted with water wash out spots. The rocks that made the road are sharp, large, and loose. We did not go too far as we were not sure what shape the road would be in and did not want to get in a situation with our trailer that we could not get out of. Plug for our Airstream Basecamp. It's advertised as being "built for adventure and tough enough to go anywhere." I think I really believe it now. 

  The spot we chose turned out to be beautiful. We had a view of the Thorp valley and the forested gully and ridge across from us. The stars were out and the comet NEOWISE was visible. We saw large elk, deer, many birds, and were visited by some wild turkeys in the night. It can get very windy in this area. Fires are not allowed due to red flag conditions. There is nothing out here. You must bring everything you need. Food, water, TP, lights. The best part was we saw two other cars, a couple ORV's, and a couple horseback riders total for the 2 days we were there. You can't get any quieter and more unplugged than that! 

  Product Review: Camp Fare Beef Burgundy with Field Vegetables and Chicken Tikka Masala with French Green Lentils

   I ordered these meals a bit short of our last trip and was unable to make them. I was happy I had them saved for our trip up to LT Murray given we traveled quick and light. Camp Fare https://campfare.com/ advertises their food as high quality, delicious, chef-crafted, and ready to eat- no refrigeration required. All you have to do is submerge in hot water for 2-3 minutes, tear open the pouch, and enjoy. Selection is limited but covers all the bases. Beef Burgundy, Chicken Tikka Masala, Wild Alaskan Salmon, and Brown Rice and Red Quinoa with Pink Beans. They all sound great! We had our camp stove and a pot of water but you could probably stuff the pouch into a larger Jet Boil for backpacking too. I chose the Beef and had my partner eat the Chicken. 

  Preparation was as quick and easy as promised. The meals may not look amazing, especially on a plate instead of the pouch or in a bowl, but they really are delicious. The Beef Burgundy was flavorful and tender. The Chicken Tikka Masala was Indian restaurant good, seriously. I would way rather eat these meals than something dehydrated ever again. Looking forward to trying the Salmon and maybe getting the Chicken again for future trips.

• 

  Alex R.

  Scout

  

  May. 4, 2023

  Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot

  Amazing

  Amazing place. 8 min from brewery and isolated

• 

  Zach A.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 3, 2017

  Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

  Hidden Gem

  This place is where I go when I want to disconnect and get away from the stress of school in Ellensburg. I've been here a handful of times and there's never been more than a dozen people spread out over the entire coulee valley. The previous directions are good and the one on WTA will take you right to the parking lot where it's an easy 1.5 mile hike down into the coulee. I've heard other people say they walked in from ancient lakes road and it took three times as long to make it to the camping spots.

  The lakes are safe for swimming in my opinion (there's even a rock to jump off on the closest lake!) But do carry your own water in, it is irrigation runoff and has plenty of yummy pesticides that you cannot filter out. Other than that enjoy the lakes, waterfalls and killer sunsets that happen on a nightly basis out here!

• H

  Horace M.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 31, 2022

  Vernita Bridge

  Awesome Spot

  I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!

• 

  Aubrey W.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 14, 2020

  French Cabin Creek Recreation Area

  Not good

  There wasn’t a lot of shade, so definitely bring a canopy if you have one. We camped along the river, and had absolutely no cell phone service while we were there. There was a dog fight, people partying loudly all night, and people trying to peek into our tents. The campsites were not as “dispersed” as I thought they’d be. Overall, it was just a bad experience. The view was nice though

• 

  Nicole C.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 12, 2020

  Vernita Bridge

  For Fisher-folks only

  The main draw here is that there's a boat ramp into the Columbia. If you've got a fishing/camping rig and like to tell fish stories, this is a great spot for you.

  If you're looking for a private, secluded or picturesque spot, this isn't for you.

  This place does require a Discover Pass, but it's otherwise free. There were portapotties available, but I wouldn't count on them always being available.

• 

  Eric H.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 23, 2020

  Peninsula / Rimrock Boat Launch

  Island in the Lake

  Peninsula Camp is one of 3 designated camp grounds on the East end of Rimrock Lake. From the UPFS air field you will pass the first designated camp - suitable for dispersed RV'ing and the roomiest area. As you travel the One-Way loop, you will pass multiple locations for tent camping just off the road and cars lining the shoulder. You can find a few med sized camp site for RVs especially near the boat launch.

  The views were amazing but all the campers made so much noise, we moved. This might be a better review on a less busy weekend.

  Bring your own water and the facilities were lacking attention, if they were open at all. Be prepared to rough it.

• D

  Don

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 15, 2021

  North Fork Teanaway River - Dispersed

  Nice spot near the river

  There are ~5 dispersed campsites on this side road off the main North Fork Teanaway road. Some maps show this side road as "Loop Camp 973725".

  I think this site has the best river access, but a couple of others have better distance from the main road. However, I think this site is far enough from the road. Noise and dust from the road were minimal.

  It's plenty large for tenting, or a truck camper. I wouldn't bring a trailer, other than a very small one. There is a fire ring, but no fires allowed at this time of year, unless you have the propane kind.

  The sounds of the river are nice. It's a mild scramble to get down to the river, but worth it. The water was clear and cold. Very pretty. No fishing allowed, but the river is shallow so I don't think there would be anything to catch anyway. On a hot day, this would be a nice spot to park a chair in the river and soak up some sun!

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  May. 31, 2021

  Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

  Camp next to an active airstrip!

  This is such a cool place to camp! You are literally right on an active airstrip. There are roughly 40 sites spread out along a long narrow loop, with some walk in sites. There are no services here- no water, no, wifi, no trash pick up, no campground host(there is a moderately clean vault toilet). But it’s also free, or a$5 donation at the iron ranger. It was a little confusing. AND IT'S ON AN ACTIVE AIRSTRIP!! Most sites have good trees for hammocks. I strongly suggest you have a way to secure your food and trash as there are lots of squirrels and raccoons. Did I mention it's on an active airstrip? While no planes came in while I was there, I walked across the airstrip to the“comfort station” for fliers and read the log book. Two planes had flown in earlier in the day and left nice messages. It looked like 3-5 planes used the airstip a week in the warm months. The White River is between the campground/airstrip and the highway and it drowns out most of the road noise. I didn’t check things out on the other side of the airstrip too much, but it looked like there were some dispersed sites there as well.

• 

  vicki

  Guide

  

  Jul. 14, 2022

  North Fork Teanaway River - Dispersed

  Great dispersed camping

  Lots of options in the area. Some sites were close together while many were nice and secluded. Our only complaint was that our site was right off the road and we experienced moderate traffic which caused a lot of dust. We had a nice short walk through a secluded walk in site that led to a rocky river bed. We also had a horse trail across the road that we walked. Lots of wild flowers to enjoy.

• 

  Judy T.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 26, 2020

  Vernita Bridge

  Free campground on Columbia River

  This is a Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing access site. It is free with a Washington State Discovery Pass for $30/year. This annual pass will also gain you admission to state parks. There are several boat launch sites here and a number of those Sani Cans. The area is spread out over open land with smooth rocks. It can be a bit bumpy if hauling a trailer unless you stick to the smooth rock roads. No shade except along the shore.

  For a free site, it has its good points: easy access to highway 24/243 which will bring you to I-90, quiet, wide open space, near the Vernita Bridge Rest Area for free tank dump site. If you arrive on the last weekend of October, there is a huge king salmon fishing derby with about 100 entrants so you will have company. But, it is usually quiet midweek in the spring and fall. It may be busier in the summer midweek as there are lots of fishing enthusiast ps and boaters who live close by in the Tri Cities area.

  If you need a quiet place for one night or are hauling a river fishing boat, this is a good place to stay.

• T

  Trenton S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 3, 2023

  White River Dispersed Camping

  Real coordinates

  Real coordinates for turn off of 410 is (47.0822353, -121.5828194), stay left in the gravel road until you see 7315 marker for plenty of open dispersed sites. 10/10 spot.

• B

  Bella M.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 3, 2024

  White River Dispersed Camping

  Beautiful spot!

  This place was gorgeous. Right off a busy road but with being right by the water it tunes out the noise of the traffic. Plenty of spots and can drive in further to be more secluded if needed.

• B

  Bella M.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 3, 2024

  FS Road 44 Dispersed

  Secluded

  Could not find the spot in the previous review. They must have parked off the highway. Multiple spots to camp. We went a little further in for a more secluded area and barely had any traffic. Would stay here again.

• 

  Michael F.

  Guide

  

  May. 15, 2024

  White River Dispersed Camping

  Fantastic Camping On The White River

  Lots of campsites along the White River right outside of Rainier National Park. Lots of campsites throughout the area. We arrived mid afternoon on a Friday and there were plenty of options to pick from but it did fill up by around 9pm.

• B

  Brynn P.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 22, 2024

  Clear Lake Campgrounds

  Very loud neighbors!!

  We camped specifically at the Indian Creek Dispersed sites. There is a collection of camp grounds in this surrounding area, so I wouldn’t be concerned about finding a spot.

  The views are incredible, beautiful grounds. Sadly the sites were covered in trash, people were riding quads and chainsawing until 2am, as well as yelling and loud music.

  We did come on a weekend so it got very busy.